Campaigner hails new £9million South Shields dementia centre

A campaigner has hailed South Tyneside for leading the way in the vital battle against dementia – and urged the Government to follow its shining example.

Haven Court, a brand new health and social care hub for older people, is set to be a key weapon in the borough’s bid to support those fighting the condition and their families.

The £9million centre, which has been constructed on the grounds of South Tyneside Hospital after a partnership between health chiefs and South Tyneside Council, will swing open its doors on Monday.

Members of the public were given a glimpse into a bright future at an open day held at the hi-tech facility on Wednesday.

Kathryn Green, who launched an online petition calling on the Government to plough funds into dementia facilities earlier this year, is delighted that health bosses in the borough are proving to be pioneers in the field.

Miss Green, from South Shields, decided to make a stand after being left ‘disgusted’ by the paucity of support services on offer when her uncle was diagnosed with emerging dementia earlier this year.

The 34-year-old said: “He ended up in a nursing home where I found there is not the level of training required to meet the complexity of the condition.

“He has now moved to live with family in Canada.”

More than 2,150 people have already signed Miss Green’s petition urging the Government to invest in dedicated Dementia villages and bolster the number of specialised carers at nursing homes.

Miss Green added: “It’s amazing how our home town has created a space for sufferers and families, to promote independence.”

The petition – which runs until August 16 – needs to reach 10,000 signatures to receive a response from the Government.